Prompt treatment is essential if you have a dental emergency. Fortunately, your Federal Way, WA, dentists, Dr. Meiting Nieh and Dr. Yako Liu of Northwest Dental, offer same-day appointments for these and other dental emergencies.
Knocked out tooth
It may be possible to reimplant a tooth knocked out by a fall or blow to the face if you act quickly. After you locate the tooth, rinse it off with water and call the Federal Way dental office right away.
Try to place the tooth back in its socket. If it won't fit easily, put it between your gum and teeth, or place it in a covered container filled with your saliva or milk. Reimplantation is more likely to be successful if you see the dentist within about an hour of knocking out the tooth.
Loose tooth
The same types of accidents that knock out teeth can also loosen them. If your loose tooth has shifted from its normal position, gently move it back, if possible. Don't chew on that side of your mouth until you see the dentist.
Dental abscess
If you suddenly develop a terrible toothache and feel awful, you may have a dental abscess. Abscesses are caused by bacterial infections that affect your gums or tooth pulp. In addition to severe pain, you may also develop a fever and notice that the lower part of your face is swollen.
Other symptoms may include inflamed gum, pus on your gum, and swollen lymph nodes. Visiting the dentist as soon as possible will prevent the infection from spreading to your heart, brain, or other parts of your body.
Broken tooth
Whether your tooth broke when you took a bite of food or the break happened after a fall, you'll need emergency treatment. Breaks can expose nerves or the sensitive dentin layer of teeth, causing pain. Apply a little dental cement, sold in local drugstores, over the broken edges to ease your pain. Over-the-counter pain relievers can also be helpful until it's time for your emergency appointment.
Lacerations
Your dentist also treats cuts inside your mouth or to your face. Emergency treatment reduces the risk of infection and promotes healing. Keep bleeding under control by applying gentle pressure with a clean cloth.
Whether you have a dental emergency or it's time for a checkup, your dentists in Federal Way, WA, Dr. Meiting Nieh and Dr. Yako Liu of Northwest Dental, are ready to help you care for your smile. Call them at (253) 517-9065 to schedule your appointment.